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独立自主 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
独立自主dúlìzìzhǔindependent and autonomous (idiom); self-determinationHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #32451, Very Hard
独立自主dúlìzìzhǔto act independentlyHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #32451, Very Hard
独立自主dúlìzìzhǔto maintain control over one's own affairsHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #32451, Very Hard
dúlìzìzhǔ(du2li4zi4zhu3) T2
  1. 1independent and autonomous (idiom); self-determination
  2. 2to act independently
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March 24, 2026

独立自主(獨立自主)dúlìzìzhǔ(du2li4zi4zhu3)

独立自主 (dú lì zì zhǔ) refers to the state of being independent and self-reliant. This idiom is commonly used to describe individuals or groups who take control over their own lives and decisions without depending on others. It emphasizes the importance of self-determination and personal responsibility.

Strokes25Frequency#32451DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The concept of 独立自主 is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, reflecting the historical context of national sovereignty and personal freedom. It resonates with China's narrative of self-determination, especially in the context of historical struggles for independence.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'lone wolf' standing tall in the forest, symbolizing independence (独立) and self-governance (自主). The character 独 (dú) looks like a person standing alone, while 自 (zì) can remind you of 'self' as it has the meaning of oneself. Picture this wolf confidently making decisions, embodying the essence of autonomy.

Meanings of 独立自主

dúlìzìzhǔ(du2li4zi4zhu3)
1independent and autonomous (idiom); self-determination
2to act independently
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 独立自主

独立自主Simplified
獨立自主Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 独立自主

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Podcast: 独立自主

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AI Study Notes for 独立自主

Quick Contrast

自主 (zìzhǔ) vs 自立 (zìlì) — choose 独立自主 when emphasizing both independence and self-reliance together, while 自立 focuses more on independence alone.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 独立自主 with similar phrases like 自立 (zì lì), which focuses more on self-reliance. This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about personal growth or societal values. Pay attention to the tones; mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although this idiom may not appear in the HSK levels, understanding it enhances your grasp of complex sentence structures and cultural nuances. Focus on how it relates to themes of freedom and autonomy, which can be connected to HSK vocabulary about personal identity and social issues.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes mix up 独立自主 with 自由 (zì yóu, meaning freedom), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我想要自由和独立自主' (Wǒ xiǎng yào zì yóu hé dú lì zì zhǔ) is correct, but they have different nuances that should be understood.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 独立自主

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Idiom Spotlight: 独立自主

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:independent self-reliant

Component Characters

独dúalone
HSK 79 strokes犭
View full entry
立lìto stand
HSK 65 strokes立
View full entry
自zìfrom
HSK 46 strokes自
View full entry
主zhǔowner
HSK 75 strokes丶
View full entry

How to say independent and autonomous (idiom); self-determination in Chinese

“independent and autonomous (idiom); self-determination” in Chinese is独立自主dúlìzìzhǔ

独立自主 (dú lì zì zhǔ) refers to the state of being independent and self-reliant. This idiom is commonly used to describe individuals or groups who take control over their own lives and decisions without depending on others. It emphasizes the importance of self-determination and personal responsibility.

When to use 独立自主

Learners often confuse 独立自主 with similar phrases like 自立 (zì lì), which focuses more on self-reliance. This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about personal growth or societal values. Pay attention to the tones; mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.

独立自主 or something close to it

自主 (zìzhǔ) vs 自立 (zìlì) — choose 独立自主 when emphasizing both independence and self-reliance together, while 自立 focuses more on independence alone.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes mix up 独立自主 with 自由 (zì yóu, meaning freedom), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我想要自由和独立自主' (Wǒ xiǎng yào zì yóu hé dú lì zì zhǔ) is correct, but they have different nuances that should be understood.

Write 独立自主

独
立
自
主

Practice writing 独立自主 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 独立自主

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, independence is often celebrated as a personal achievement, while in Chinese culture, it is also seen as a collective responsibility towards family and society.

Frequently Asked Questions about 独立自主

It means being capable of making your own decisions and managing your affairs without relying on others.

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